Naomi Osaka & Nick Kyrgios lead Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge in March
Last Edited
Feb 19 2025
Category
News
On Monday, March 3, 2025, the 2nd Annual Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge is set to light up the La Quinta Resort Tennis Stadium, bringing together the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and pickleball for a day of high-energy action.
With tennis legends Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios as hosts, this isn’t just another pickleball event—it’s a Hollywood-meets-pickleball spectacle where elite play, entertainment, and star power collide.
How Desert Smash began
Desert Smash has been a tennis entertainment staple for years, but as pickleball surged in popularity, it was clear the event needed to embrace the sport’s momentum. After a wildly successful inaugural event, the organizers knew they had something special.
“Our first year was incredible—high energy, an amazing mix of pro players and celebrity-loving picklers, and just a blast overall. Now that we’re on the map, we’ve upped our game even more,” event organizers said.
Celebs vs. pickleball pros
The 2025 lineup is stacked. Headlining are Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, two Grand Slam champions making their mark in the pickleball world.
Joining them:
- Federico Staksrud, the top-ranked pickleball player in the world.
- Michael Loyd, Callie Jo Smith, and Shelby Bates, three elite pros ready to showcase their skills.
- A-list entertainment and sports personalities like Colton Underwood, Doug Ellin, and Jason Derulo—all stepping onto the court to battle it out.
And while we can’t reveal everything yet, expect last-minute surprise additions to shake things up.
Tickets available here!
Thanks to Miami Pickleball Club and Evolve, Naomi and Nick are not only stepping onto the court but also donating their time for a great cause—supporting the WTA Foundation's initiative around Change the Game, a new campaign that harnesses the combined power of women's tennis and philanthropy to make women’s health and nutrition a global priority.
Desert Smash is about blending sport, culture, and entertainment into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Here’s what’s on deck:
1:00 PM – Gates Open
- Explore the Desert Smash Sponsor Village, featuring top brands in pickleball.
2:00 PM – Live “Good Trouble” Podcast
- Nick Kyrgios sits down for a live taping of his podcast with a celebrity guest (TBA).
3:00 PM – Celebrity & Pro Pickleball Challenge
- The main event—where celebs and pros face off in high-energy matchups that mix elite play and entertainment.
All Day – A Festival Atmosphere
- Live DJs
- Red carpet moments
- Sponsor activations & giveaways
- Margaritas flowing at the hosted bars
What’s New in the Sponsor Village?
This year’s interactive fan experiences are bigger than ever. Expect:
- HEAD Pickleball’s latest gear—get hands-on with cutting-edge paddle tech.
- Mocktails from Herbalife, the event’s nutritional partner.
- And more surprises for ticket holders!
Tickets available here!
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